Internal combustion engine with modified shaft

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, an improvement to a four-stroke engine having a single cylinder block arrangement including an engine block, timing gears, crankshaft and gear, timing belt/chain, intake port, exhaust port, and cylinder head arrangement includes a ported rotating shaft, the ported rotating shaft having a first port, the ported rotating shaft synchronized with the crankshaft, such that the first port periodically aligns with the intake port to allow for intake during the four-stroke cycle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/308,841 filed on Feb. 26, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The internal combustion engine has remained mostly unchanged for the past 100 years with most advancements emanating from improvements in fuel injection (e.g., direct fuel injection), variable valve timing, camshaft design, and emissions controls. However, every four-stroke engine manufactured in the past 100 years is pretty much the same configuration. They all use crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, and rings in the block area. There are slight variations in the head and intake area, but most use camshafts, valves, valve springs, retainers, etc. Some use lifters, pushrods, and rocker arms, some use followers, and some use the camshaft pushing right over the valve with a “bucket” on top of the valve. However, they all use camshafts and valves.

Valves are very restrictive to linear airflow, and airflow has to bend to get around the intake valve to get into the combustion chamber. Furthermore, the airflow has to bend around the exhaust valve to get out of the combustion chamber. In addition to valves often being a weak component of the internal combustion engine, the bending of this airflow around the intake and exhaust valves creates inefficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Removing the camshaft and valves would improve the four-stroke engine through a reduction in moving parts and through improved airflow, which would translate to better fuel economy and horsepower gains. A rotating shaft, timed just right, with a cross-hole through it, or multiple cross-holes, would allow airflow in or out without having the restrictive nature associated with present day design.

One embodiment of an improved motor includes a rotating shaft(s) including a hole or multiple cross-holes aligned with (or over) the pistons to better facilitate airflow to and from the engine. The core of the engine further includes the block, intake, exhaust, serpentine belt, flywheel, bell housing, pistons, etc. Since the airflow in and out of the engine is more efficient, the engine itself is more efficient. Using the improved shaft with at least one hole aligned with the pistons, smaller engines would make the same power as larger engines without the improved shaft. Furthermore, through the use of the improved motor and the improved shaft, alternative fuels such as hydrogen or biomass derived fuels are more attractive fuels for powering a motor.

One skilled in the art will recognize appropriate metals and proper formation of cross-holes in light of this disclosure. Although metal is a common material used in the construction of engines, other materials are usable including, but not limited to: ceramics, plastics, etc. In one alternative, a proper seal is placed in the space or gap between the rotating shaft and shaft housing (head) to prevent intake or exhaust air from leaking.

The advantages of the improved engine include a reduction in hardware, improved airflow, improved fuel efficiency, fewer moving parts, and reduction in maintenance because, for example, carbon-build-up on valves is omitted.

The improved motor presented herein should not be confused with the Bourke or Wankle engine designs. The Bourke design uses a crankshaft with a sliding block rod bearing that keeps the connecting rod always straight with the piston. When a typical connecting rod/piston reciprocates, the rod angle creates a thrust force on the skirts of the piston, thereby creating drag (friction). The engine still uses cams, valves, and valve springs.

A rotary (Wankle) engine uses a triangle-shaped piston that rotates inside of an odd-shaped oval chamber. As it rotates, it uncovers and covers ports that allow the air/fuel mixture to enter and exit. While the mixture is in there, it is compressed and ignited to create power, and then allowed to exit the exhaust port. Each of these lobes covers and uncovers the ports; so it is not a conventional four-stroke engine with cams, valves, pistons, etc. However, it differs from the improved motor presented herein in that the engine has pistons, rods, and a crankshaft, but no cams or valves (or valve springs).

In one embodiment, an improvement to a four-stroke engine having a single cylinder block arrangement including an engine block, timing gears, crankshaft and gear, timing belt/chain, intake port, exhaust port, and cylinder head arrangement includes a ported rotating shaft, the ported rotating shaft having a first port, the ported rotating shaft synchronized with the crankshaft, such that the first port periodically aligns with the intake port to allow for intake during the four-stroke cycle. In one alternative, the first port periodically aligns with the exhaust port to allow for exhaust during the four-stroke cycle. Optionally, the ported rotating shaft has a second port and the second port periodically aligns with the exhaust port to allow for exhaust during the four-stroke cycle. Optionally, the first port periodically is unaligned with both the intake port and the exhaust port. Alternatively, compression occurs during a period of non-alignment.

In another embodiment, an improvement to a four-stroke engine having a single cylinder block arrangement including an engine block, timing gears, crankshaft and gear, timing belt/chain, intake port, exhaust port, and cylinder head arrangement includes a first- and second-ported rotating shaft, the first- and second-ported rotating shaft each having a port, the first-ported rotating shaft synchronized with the crankshaft, such that the port of the first-ported rotating shaft periodically aligns with the intake port to allow for intake during the four-stroke cycle, and the second-ported rotating shaft synchronized with the crankshaft, such that the port of the second-ported rotating shaft periodically aligns with the exhaust port to allow for exhaust during the four-stroke cycle.

In another embodiment, a four-stroke engine includes an intake port; an exhaust port; and a ported rotating shaft, synchronized with the four-stoke engine, the ported rotating shaft having a port, the port periodically aligning with the intake port and the exhaust port to allow for intake of air and output of exhaust during the four-stroke cycle.

In another embodiment, a four-stroke engine comprising: an engine block, timing gears, crankshaft and gear, timing belt/chain, intake port, exhaust port, and cylinder head arrangement, wherein valves for intake and exhaust are omitted and the four-stroke cycle is maintained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the improved engine, a series of drawings are included demonstrating a four-stroke engine with camshaft and valves and one embodiment of a four-stroke engine that eliminates the camshaft and valves by use of an improved rotating shaft.

FIG. 1 shows a typical single- or dual-overhead cam arrangement showing a hemispherical chamber, cylinder, piston, connecting rod, and valve arrangement with an intake valve and exhaust valve;

FIG. 2 shows a typical wedge chamber (cam-in block wedge chamber) showing a cylinder, piston, connecting rod, valve, and push rod, with the spark plug adjacent to the exhaust side of the arrangement;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b shows one embodiment of a ported rotating shaft with timing gear;

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a single piston cylinder single-ported rotating shaft;

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a single piston cylinder dual-ported rotating shaft;

FIG. 6 a shows one embodiment of a detail of a single-ported rotating shaft (piston shown at the start of the intake stroke);

FIG. 6 b shows one embodiment of a detail of a single-ported rotating shaft (piston shown at the middle of the power stroke);

FIG. 6 c shows one embodiment of a detail of a single-ported rotating shaft (piston shown at the middle of the power stroke);

FIG. 6 d shows one embodiment of a detail of a single-ported rotating shaft (piston shown at the middle of the exhaust stroke);

FIG. 7 a shows one embodiment of a detail of a dual-ported rotating shaft (piston shown at the start of the intake stroke);

FIG. 7 b shows one embodiment of a detail of a dual-ported rotating shaft (piston shown at the end of the compression stroke);

FIG. 7 c shows one embodiment of a detail of a dual-ported rotating shaft (piston shown at the middle of the power stroke); and

FIG. 7 d shows one embodiment of a detail of a dual-ported rotating shaft (piston shown at the middle of the exhaust stroke).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a typical piston cylinder arrangement for a single- or dual-overhead cam arrangement whereby the valves permit entry and exit of air. In this arrangement, the valves are integral to the operation of this four-stroke engine. For the four-stroke engine, the first stroke is the piston moving in a downward motion, and the intake valve 110 of FIG. 1 is open to permit air entry. On the upward stroke of the piston, the valves are closed. On the third stroke, the piston is moving in the downward direction and, at the same time, the valves are still closed. Near the bottom of the power stroke, the exhaust valve 120 opens, allowing spent gases to exit during the fourth (exhaust) stroke. Typical single- or dual-overhead cam arrangements show a hemispherical chamber, cylinder, piston, connecting rod, and valve arrangement whereby an intake valve (left) and exhaust valve (right) introduce air into the engine and permit the exit of combustion byproducts. In this design, the spark plug 130 is centered with respect to the piston. Fuel entry could be carburetion or injection, and the intake/exhaust ports may be transposed.

In another typical piston cylinder arrangement for a cam-in block wedge chamber, a cylinder, piston, connecting rod, valve, and push rod are shown. In this design, the spark plug is adjacent to the exhaust side of the arrangement. In this arrangement, the valves are integral to the operations of this four-stroke engine. For the four-stroke engine, the first stroke is the piston moving in a downward motion, and the intake valve is open to permit air entry. On the upward stroke of the piston, the valves are closed. On the third stroke, the piston is moving in the downward direction and, at the same time, the valves are still closed. Near the bottom of the power stroke, the exhaust valve opens, allowing spent gases to exit during the fourth (exhaust) stroke.

FIGS. 2 and 3 depict one embodiment of an improved shaft 300 which may also be known as a rotating ported shaft 300, enabling the creation of an improved motor 301. The improved shaft design permits air entry and exit from an engine. The embodiment of the rotating shaft 300 shown has a hole 310 to permit air entry and exit from a one-cylinder engine. In other embodiments, more than one cylinder is used. Also shown in FIGS. 3 and 3 a are a timing gear 320 and the support bearings 325. The timing gear 320 keeps the ported shaft 300 in synchronization with the crank shaft/piston dynamics. In one alternative, the improved shaft continuously rotates a full 360 degrees. In another alternative, the improved shaft only rotates a number of degrees less than 360 degrees; just enough for the ports in the shaft to open and close. This alternative leads to reduced friction, since the shaft rotates fewer degrees. In an alternative including rotation of less than 360 degrees, position of multiple ports on the shaft are disposed at difference distances along the shaft in order to maintain alignment with respective corresponding inlets and exhausts.

This representation is not limited only to one-cylinder engines, but to any four-stroke engine with 1 through 16 pistons, or even additional piston cylinder arrangements. Furthermore, although the port in this particular design is shown as oval, this is not in any way meant to limit the improved engine for the shape of the port; its position longitudinally and/or laterally can be positioned to maximize air entry and exit to the engine. Furthermore, there may be multiple ports per shaft per cylinder.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a single cylinder block arrangement 410 with a single ported rotating shaft 300 including an engine block 415, timing gear 320, crankshaft and gear 420, timing belt/chain 425, intake port 430, exhaust port 435, and cylinder head arrangement. In this embodiment, air enters through either a carburetor/intake manifold or throttle body/intake manifold as it enters the cylinder head with ported rotating shaft 300. As the shaft rotates because of its time synchronization with the piston/crank shaft, the ports of the ported rotating shaft are, in an alternating fashion arranged with the firing of the spark plug 440, exposed, allowing air to enter or exit, and not exposed, thereby preventing the entry or exit of air.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a single cylinder block arrangement 510 with dual ported rotating shafts 300 including an engine block 515, timing gears 520, crankshaft and gear 520, timing belt/chain 525, intake port 530, exhaust port 535, and cylinder head arrangement. In this embodiment, air enters through either a carburetor/intake manifold or throttle body/intake manifold as it enters the cylinder head with a ported rotating shaft. As the shafts rotate, because of their time synchronization with the piston/crank shaft, the ports of the ported rotating shafts are, in an alternating fashion arranged with the firing of the spark plug 540, exposed, allowing air to enter or exit, and not exposed, thereby preventing the entry or exit of air.

For a four-stroke engine, the first stroke is the piston moving in a downward motion, and the port shown in FIG. 6 a is aligned with the piston to permit air entry. On the upward stroke of the piston, the port is rotated sufficiently so that air cannot escape the combustion chamber. On the third stroke, the piston is moving in the downward direction and, at the same time, the port is beginning to align with the combustion so that during the fourth stroke the combustion gases can be exhausted through the port.

FIG. 6 a shows an embodiment of a piston cylinder arrangement 600 for a single piston 610 with a single ported rotating shaft 300 during the intake stroke. For the four-stroke engine, the first stroke is the piston 610 moving in a downward motion, and the ported rotating shaft 300 of FIG. 3 is open to permit air entry. The hole 310 of the rotating shaft 300 aligns with intake 620. On the upward stroke of the piston (FIG. 6B), the shaft has rotated, closing the port(s), allowing compression and power to occur (FIG. 6C). On the fourth stroke (FIG. 6D), the shaft 300 is rotated, exposing the exhaust port 630, and allowing the spent gases to exit.

FIG. 7 a shows another embodiment of a piston cylinder arrangement for a single piston 710 with dual-ported rotating shafts 300 during the intake stroke. For the four-stroke engine, the first stroke is the piston moving in a downward motion, and the ported rotating shafts of FIG. 3 are open to permit air entry. On the upward stroke of the piston (FIG. 7B), the shafts have rotated, closing the port(s), allowing compression and power to occur (FIG. 7C). On the fourth stroke (FIG. 7D), the shafts are rotated, exposing the exhaust ports, and allowing the spent gases to exit. In another embodiment, a single rotating shaft having two ports is used, one port periodically aligning with the inlet, and the other port periodically aligning with the exhaust.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the improved engine systems and methods has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limited to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 

1. An improvement to a four-stroke engine having a single cylinder block arrangement including an engine block, timing gears, crankshaft and gear, timing belt/chain, intake port, exhaust port, and cylinder head arrangement, the improvement comprising: a ported rotating shaft, the ported rotating shaft having a first port, the ported rotating shaft synchronized with the crankshaft, such that the first port periodically aligns with the intake port to allow for intake during the four-stroke cycle.
 2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein the first port periodically aligns with the exhaust port to allow for exhaust during the four-stroke cycle.
 3. The improvement of claim 1 wherein the ported rotating shaft has a second port, and the second port periodically aligns with the exhaust port to allow for exhaust during the four-stroke cycle.
 4. The improvement of claim 2 wherein the first port periodically is unaligned with both the intake port and the exhaust port.
 5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein compression occurs during a period of non-alignment.
 6. An improvement to a four-stroke engine having a single cylinder block arrangement including an engine block, timing gears, crankshaft and gear, timing belt/chain, intake port, exhaust port, and cylinder head arrangement, the improvement comprising: a first- and second-ported rotating shaft, the first- and second-ported rotating shaft each having a port, the first-ported rotating shaft synchronized with the crankshaft, such that the port of the first-ported rotating shaft periodically aligns with the intake port to allow for intake during the four-stroke cycle, and the second-ported rotating shaft synchronized with the crankshaft, such that the port of the second-ported rotating shaft periodically aligns with the exhaust port to allow for exhaust during the four-stroke cycle.
 7. A four-stroke engine comprising: (a) an intake port; (b) an exhaust port; and (c) a ported rotating shaft, synchronized with the four-stoke engine, the ported rotating shaft having a port, the port periodically aligning with the intake port and the exhaust port to allow for intake of air and output of exhaust during the four-stroke cycle.
 8. The four stroke engine of claim 5 wherein a timing belt synchronizes the ported rotating shaft.
 9. A four-stroke engine comprising: an engine block, timing gears, crankshaft and gear, timing belt/chain, intake port, exhaust port, and cylinder head arrangement, wherein valves for intake and exhaust are omitted and the four-stroke cycle is maintained. 